HOUSE BILL 170

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Debbie A. Rodella

FOR THE LAND GRANT COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO LAND GRANT ELECTIONS; ALLOWING STAGGERED TERMS FOR MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF TRUSTEES; REQUIRING A PLURALITY OF THE VOTE FOR ELECTION TO A BOARD OF TRUSTEES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 49-1-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1907, Chapter 42, Section 7, as amended) is amended to read:

     "49-1-7. ELECTION--VOTES REQUIRED--CANVASSING VOTES.--

          A. The candidates receiving the most votes cast for the open seats on the board of trustees shall be elected to the board.

          B. The election judges and board of trustees shall meet not later than seven days following the election and canvass the votes cast and issue to [the five persons having a majority of votes] each candidate duly elected to a seat on the board a certificate [showing they have been duly elected] of election."

     SECTION 2. Section 49-4-8 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2007, Chapter 145, Section 7) is amended to read:

     "49-4-8. ELECTION--VOTES REQUIRED--CANVASSING VOTES.--

          A. The candidates receiving the most votes cast for the open seats on the board of trustees shall be elected to the board.

          B. The election judges and board of trustees shall meet not later than seven days following the election and canvass the votes cast and issue to each [of the five persons having a majority of votes] candidate duly elected to a seat on the board a certificate [showing that each one has been duly elected] of election."

     SECTION 3. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.                              - 2 -